Savannah, GA - The Augusta GreenJackets used a seven run second inning to cruise to a 9-1 win over the Savannah Sand Gnats in front of 2,319 fans Thursday night at Historic Grayson Stadium.

Savannah starter Matt Koch did not finish the second inning in his shortest start of the year. He was charged with seven runs, three earned, on six hits. The first five GreenJackets (9-9/47-40) batters in the second inning all reached safely. The Gnats (9-11/52-37) committed two errors in the frame and Koch, who had not hit a batter in his first 70.2 innings in 2013 plunked two in the second.

The Gnats scored their only run in the bottom of the third when LF Maikis De La Cruz drove home C Jeff Glenn.

The GreenJackets completed the game's scoring with two runs in the fourth against reliever Julian Hilario.

Augusta starter Joan Gregorio was strong over six innings, allowing just one run on four hits. He struck out nine and walked two. Reliever Steven Okert threw the final three inning for save.

The Gnats begin a four-game series against the Greenville Drive Friday at 7:05 when LHP Steven Matz (3-4, 2.28) takes the mound against RHP Luis Diaz (4-4, 3.06). Gates to Historic Grayson Stadium open at 6 pm. The radio pregame show on News/Talk 630 and online at sandgnats.com begins at 6:45 pm.

St. Joseph's/Candler Facebook Friday

Two dollar general admission tickets are available by visiting the St. Joseph's/Candler Facebook page at facebook.com/stjosephscandler

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.